Notes for Week 2

Wikipedia: Computer Hardware/Software

• Motherboard - the main component inside a computer.
• Things attached to the Motherboard:
• CPU- central processing unit, the "brain" of a computer, does most of the calculations that allow the computer to function.
• RAM - the memory of the computer, stores parts of the OS and open applications
• BIOS - sometimes replaced with UEFI in newer computers. Includes the booting firmware and power management.
• The power supply unit converts the AC power to low-power DC power for the internal compenents of the computer.
• Removable compents of the computer include
• CD (compact disc)
• CDROM-Drive - a drive that can read the CDs
• CD Writer - a device used to both read and write CDs
• DVD
• DVD-ROM Drive - a device that reads the information on DVDs
• DVD Writer - a device used to read and write DVDs
• DVD-RAM Writer - a device that is used to rapidly read and write a special type of DVDs.
• USB Drive - a flash memory data storage device.
• Secondary Storage
• Hard disk
• Solid-state Drive
• RAID array controller
• other important pieces of hardware:
• Sound Card
• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Computer software is a collection of computer programs and related data that provide instructions of what to do and how to do it.
• The idea of software was first proposed in 1935 but it would be 1958 before the term "software" would be used in print. The 1980s would be the first decade however to actually see software.
• Software includes all various forms and roles that any program may play in a computer's functions.
• There are three types of software
• system software - controls the basic functions of a computer
• programming software - allows a user to write computer programs
• application software - developed to aid in any fuction of the computer that might speed the computer up
• Faults and Errors are called "bugs". Any bugs in a system might cause a person's work to be lost.

Digitalization: Is it worth it?

• There are benefits and disadvantage to digitization things within a person's collection. To rely totally on a digital interpretation of information is folly, for if a server crashes, the information is gone if not backed up somewhere.
• another problem is the cost to digitalize large amounts of information.
• Some of the benefits of digitalization are increased access to the information and people anywhere in the world can see the image and download it to their own computer.
• There's no definite answer of whether or not the Digitalization of information will prove useful enough to outweigh the cost, only time will tell.

European Libraries Face Problems Digitalizing

• European libraries decided to create their own database to counteract Google's domination of everything. Originally, this library was going to rely on the limited government funds, however reality quickly set in and they began seeking out new deals with both Google and other private venues. 
• The matter is, there isn't enough money to digitalize everything that people want digitalized. 

A Few Thoughts on the Google Books Library Project

• By placing books on computers, we're not making the books obsolete, but making them more widely available.
• Having books and magazines online help students of all ages from elementary to graduate level. 
• These books give access to treasure troves of knowledge for students all over the globe, where they can read and research on their own.
• problem arise both ways, but it is easier to find a solution for reloading a book than having to find a hard copy of the same book.